Apple Watch, which had been temporarily banned due to patent infringement, has received a deferred ban as the court decided to review Apple’s appeal. The United States International Trade Commission (ITC) ordered Apple to halt the sales and import of certain models of Apple Watch after finding infringement on a patent related to blood oxygen level measurement. The disputed models are Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2. However, the court’s decision to grant temporary import permission brings hope to Apple and its customers, as the company aims to invalidate the ITC’s ruling.
Following the ITC’s directive, Apple removed the infringing models of Apple Watch from its website and brick-and-mortar stores. The case was under evaluation by the Biden administration for a period of 60 days, which concluded on December 25th. The ITC accused Apple of infringing on Masimo Corporation’s patent for blood oxygen level measurement using light-based technology.
The ITC’s action is based on Section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930, which aims to protect smaller companies from the import of products that infringe on their patents. In this case, the companies claiming damages from the sale of Apple Watch are Masimo Corporation and Cercacor Laboratories, Inc. Masimo’s CEO, Joe Kiani, praised the ITC’s decision, stating that it sends a strong message that even the biggest companies, such as Apple, are accountable under the law. Kiani believes this ruling confirms Masimo’s efforts to protect their patented technology from unauthorized appropriation by Apple.
On the other hand, Apple expressed firm opposition to the ITC’s decision and filed an appeal. The court granted the ITC until January 10th to respond to the appeal, leaving both Apple and the plaintiff companies waiting for the outcome.
Although the temporary import permission for the banned models of Apple Watch is a positive development for Apple, the future of these products in the market remains uncertain until a final decision on the appeal is made.
FAQ:
On what basis did the ITC order the halt of sales and import of Apple Watch?
The ITC ordered the halt of sales and import of Apple Watch based on Section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930, which aims to protect smaller companies from the import of products that infringe on their patents.
Which models of Apple Watch were affected by the ban?
The ban affected the models of Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2, which infringed on a patent related to blood oxygen level measurement.
Which companies filed a complaint against Apple Watch?
The companies that filed a complaint against Apple Watch are Masimo Corporation and Cercacor Laboratories, Inc. Masimo owns the patent related to blood oxygen level measurement.
Definitions:
ITC – International Trade Commission
Patent – exclusive right to use an invention for a specified period of time
Blood oxygen level measurement – light-based technology used to monitor the level of oxygen in the body
Source: example.com
The source of the article is from the blog newyorkpostgazette.com